To start this message off, i'm technically retarded. I got a Marshall head amp connected to a Fender cab but I can't get any sound out of the head. I've got them connected correctly because I'm getting sound of the cab just not the headSo basically my question is, "Do guitar heads produce sound or are they just an input for guitar to the speakers?

Man the Guns wrote:To start this message off, i'm technically retarded. I got a Marshall head amp connected to a Fender cab but I can't get any sound out of the head. I've got them connected correctly because I'm getting sound of the cab just not the headSo basically my question is, "Do guitar heads produce sound or are they just an input for guitar to the speakers?

No, the head makes no sound and is simply the control center for volume, tone, inputs etc. SO if you have a head and are without a cabinet, or have the cabinet hooked up incorrectly you have no sound.

Man the Guns wrote:To start this message off, i'm technically retarded. I got a Marshall head amp connected to a Fender cab but I can't get any sound out of the head. I've got them connected correctly because I'm getting sound of the cab just not the headSo basically my question is, "Do guitar heads produce sound or are they just an input for guitar to the speakers?

I had to read this a few times because I thought I was reading it wrong.

You have a stereo, right? The speakers make the sound, and the box you plug them into has the power amp that drives them. It's pretty much the same thing.

The cabinet is the speakers. It has no power. The head provides the power.

Don't pay any attention to these knuckleheads.
Yes it sounds oh so simple, but there are other things to consider especially this time of year.Cold weather can make electronic jacks and switches and pots oxidize causing open circuits i.e. (no sound).
Start with what you know.Your guitar and cable works in a different amp right?The same speaker cab and cable worked with a different head right?If this is true your amp head is the problem.
Check your HT fuse(it's in the back), probably a 1A gma size.If it is open, you won't have plate voltage or sound but the amp will look like it is on.If you can't tell, go to Radio Shack and get another,they are cheap.If it blows again you will need a bench tech.
If the fuse is good go to an auto parts store.Ask for electrical contact cleaner.
Advance sells CRC brand.Good stuff.Just make sure you don't get any on the tubes!If you do, take them out and clean them with windex window cleaner.Let them dry completely.This stuff flames on when heat is applied.With the amp off,Spray your jacks.All of them.Work a guitar cable in and out each one, each time you spray.Pay particular attention to the effects in and out jacks on the back panel.If this fails to solve the problem, plug a cable into the effects return jack.With the amp on,
turn up all controls while tapping a finger on the end of the jack.
If no sound, make sure all of your tubes are lit. We are now at a point where you need tech help to proceed.But before you let someone talk you into spending a fortune on new tubes get the amp checked out.
Most shops will give you a complete diagnostic for $45.00 and some will deduct this from the final bill.If you let them proceed make sure you get everything in writing.Don't pay for any hidden expense.They should tell you before the bill increases and you should have the right to approve or deny any "new" work.
Good Luck!
G.E.

Actually. Your amp head can produce sounds but it depends on what type of sound your talking about. Noise or Inteligent sound? Such as music from your instrument or whatever? The speakers "OUTPUT" the sound from the amphead. If there's something wrong with the head, it may produce "NOISE" due to a faulty component and the speakers will output that noise,then there obviously is a problem. If the sound is produced elsewhere other than the head then it may be faulty cords or effect boxes or whatever may be within your signal path including your guitar or instrument that is connected to it.